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BigJay - Posted - 01/15/2026: 19:46:56
I just picked up this old no name banjo off marketplace this morning and was wondering if there is any way to tell an approximate age. I can’t find any maker’s mark or branding on it anywhere.
There are some really bad past repairs and will take a lot of work, but I hope to get it fixed up and playable.
Thanks for any help.
Bill Rogers - Posted - 01/15/2026: 20:33:24
First guess: 1880-1900. Probably later in that period. We’ll see if that holds up, and/or gets narrowed down.
joe28675 - Posted - 01/16/2026: 06:25:00
Flat hooks, hex brackets, I think around 1900 to 1920.
Culloden - Posted - 01/16/2026: 08:46:26
I recently restored a Rettberg & Lange banjo very similar to this one. If this is a R&L, as I think it is, that would give a more definite timeline. Maybe someone on here who is more knowledgeable about R&L will know what years they were in business.
Andy FitzGibbon - Posted - 01/16/2026: 10:13:06
Very likely a Rettberg & Lange, who bought out Buckbee in 1897 and were in business through the 20s. Joe's estimate is spot on.
BigJay - Posted - 01/16/2026: 13:57:22
quote:
Originally posted by joe28675
Flat hooks, hex brackets, I think around 1900 to 1920.
Actually only five of the hooks are flat, the rest are all round. Thanks for the help everyone!
